Day 27 – Saints John & Charles Wesley (1703–1791; 1707–1788)

Saints John and Charles Wesley were born in Epworth, England, the sons of Anglican priest Samuel Wesley and his remarkable wife, Susanna, who nurtured their spiritual lives from childhood. At Oxford, John and Charles, along with friends, formed a small group devoted to prayer, study, fasting, and visiting the imprisoned and the poor. Their methodical devotion earned them the nickname “Methodists,” a name that would follow them all their lives.

Charles gave the revival its hymns, writing more than 6,000 songs that carried theology on the wings of melody. Hymns like “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” have become central to Christian worship, teaching truth in words simple enough for every tongue to sing. John gave the revival its preaching and structure. Traveling thousands of miles on horseback, he proclaimed salvation by grace through faith to miners, farmers, and laborers who rarely darkened the door of a church. He organized small groups where believers could encourage one another, confess sins, and grow in holiness.

Though they never left the Church of England, their movement spread like fire and eventually gave rise to Methodism, which touched millions across the globe. At the heart of their message was not division, but renewal: a call to live holy lives marked by the love of God and neighbor.

For us today, Saints John and Charles Wesley remind us that revival begins with prayer, devotion, and the power of God’s Word. Their lives call us to a living faith that sings, serves, and proclaims the gospel with joy. They show us that methodical devotion to Christ is not legalism but love in action — a disciplined pursuit of holiness rooted in grace.